Today is Jesse's birthday!

JESSE (Hebrew). I’ve always loved the name. It literally means, “God exists.” The meaning is important to me because … believing in God is one of the most fundamental and important things a person can do on this earth! In the Bible, “Jesse” was the grandson of Boaz, the son of Obed, the father of King David. I love to read about that time period of biblical history!

My firstborn son. You weren’t supposed to make your appearance until May 25! Born eight days early (quite possibly the only time you were EVER early prior to signing up with the Army) you arrived on a Saturday morning, at 8:17 a.m. Many mornings, for some reason, I glance at a clock around the house and it is exactly 8:17 a.m. When that happens, I always say a quiet prayer for you, Jesse. Eight pounds and 20 inches at birth, your delivery was totally natural – no epidurals or medication – a quick and almost painless delivery!

You are thirty-one today and live a world away. Why does EVERYONE move to Texas?! But no matter where you live, you are always close to my heart. Sending you loving birthday greetings , Jesse!

“I ask God to give you a complete understanding of what he wants to do in your life, and I ask him to make you wise with spiritual wisdom. Then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and you will continually do good, kind things for others. All the while, you will learn to know God better and better.” (Colossians 1:9-10)(These pictures of Jesse were taken in December 2010 in El Paso, the afternoon we spent together enjoying the Franklin Mountains.)